“The Secrets of Clouds” by Alyson Richman

Lindas Book Obsession Reviews “The Secrets of Clouds” by Alyson Richman  , Berkley, February, 2019

WOW!! I loved everything about Alyson Richman’s novel “The Secret of Clouds”, and I feel that she has absolutely outdone herself.  Alyson Richman is an amazing storyteller, and I appreciate the way that she vividly describes her colorful cast of characters, and her landscape. Noted is the unique and fantastic way that the author appeals to our senses through Music, Art, Literature, Song and Dance.

The Genres for this story are Fiction, and Contemporary Fiction. There is also some Historical background from the Ukraine.  The author describes her characters as complex, and complicated perhaps due to the circumstances. Alyson Richman pays full tribute and thanks to all teachers in the profession that have touched the lives of so many children, and children who have touched the hearts and lives of their teachers. As a retired teacher with over 36 years of experience, I just wanted to jump into the book and have a discussion about Journal Writing with the characters, and visit with the children.

Katya , a ballerina and Sasha, a scientist fall in love in Kiev. When a tragedy occurs, there is an opportunity for both to come to the United States. As a result of the incident, their son Yuri is born with an illness that forces him to stay at home. Maggie, a motivated and eager young teacher is asked by her administration to tutor Yuri in her subject matter which is English. Maggie often finds that Yuri will look outside longingly, at the birds and sky.  Yuri, although a child has wisdom beyond his years, and has a love of baseball.

Katya is a protective mom, and want to keep her son safe. Maggie wants to give Yuri the opportunity to experience and grow, and Yuri wants the freedom to be able to live.

I highly recommend this intriguing, intense, emotional, captivating, riveting and amazing book to all readers who enjoy a fantastic story. Bravo to Alyson Richman for a wonderful novel that discusses, dreams, love, and hope. I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.